Easy to do Business is a joint initiative between Service NSW, the Offices of the NSW Small Business Commissioner, NSW Customer Service Commissioner and Port Stephens Council.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer says he hopes to see local businesses take advantage of the new one-stop-shop approach to business applications.

“Traditionally, it can take up to 18 months to get a café up and running in NSW – there are up to 48 forms to complete and 75 different regulations to comply with across different jurisdictions.

“Port Stephens Council signed up to the Easy to do Business program because it significantly reduces the time it takes to start a new business from 18 months to just 3 months," Mayor Palmer said.

“I hope anyone thinking of starting a café, restaurant or small bar in Port Stephens takes advantage of this great initiative,” he added.

Council's Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator Janelle Gardner says the Easy to Do Business program is open to cafés, restaurants and small bars across Port Stephens, with a view to expanding to other business sectors in the future.

"Easy to do Business removes barriers and red tape for business. A new online portal makes it easy to find information and instead of 48 forms, there is just one. Plus, Service NSW is providing a single point of contact to guide businesses through the entire process,” Ms Gardner said.

“The outcome for business owners is less paperwork and more time to plan and work towards opening the doors to their business," she added.

For more information about Easy to do Business, visit portstephens.nsw.gov.au